Leah Faye Cooper, βArtist Mae Colburn Talks Archiving her Grandmotherβs Vintage Skirt Collection,β Vogue.com, March 26, 2025.Β
Vogue:Β What inspired you to make the archive public?
Me: [My mom and I] got really excited about understanding the skirts within a historical arc, and the archive offers a glimpse into the clothing history of the second half of the 20th century. The wool industry has transformed tremendously; you really canβt find this high-quality wool in this many colors and patterns anymore. So thereβs a lot of history there thatβs exciting to think and talk about and share with people, and Iβve also found that this is a really wonderful way for people to think about their own wardrobes and all the things that fill the nooks and crannies of their basements, garages, and closets.
Exploring the politics of gender and skirts is interesting to me too. Iβve really enjoyed conversations that have emerged as Iβve been sharing this story with women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who remember this pivot from having to wear skirts in most public settings to wearing pants. Wearing pants to work for the first time is a day that they remember almost like they remember what they wore on their wedding day. Itβs a really important moment.
